Welcome to Gaia! ::

*Kyla nods at her brother. Algol's behavior is strange as he doesn't seem particularly focused on anyone but Reishi. Kyla fires a couple of blasts of gold energy in an attempt to intercept the Nethershots. She then begins leaping around. Instead of platforms, ice slides appear, and similar to before, one slingshots Kyla into the air, then another catches her and sends her flying at a different angle. She fires blasts of gold energy rapidly, hoping that Algol won't have time to avoid them all*

"Urg", Kokujo found himself thrown back towards the platform faster than he expected as the gravity hammered down. As he fell he reached to his back and hurled his shuriken with some awkwardness down towards the centre of the platform. He then performed a quick flip to land hard on a shadow platform that had formed itself out of the gloomy air under him. He counted himself fortunate that the environment lent itself very well to Kokujo's style of magic, he would need all the advantages he could get against the deathly apparition before them.

"Novo #12: Holy Orders"

Kokujo's shuriken, reacting, veered round before it impacted with the platform, coming to a hover near the ethereal floor in it's centre and emitting a white glow as the holy magic was activated. Although without the prayer backing it up, the effect would be less effective, the fact Kokujo was casting it through a catalyst meant he could control what direction the effect was applied in. In this instance, he was using his own Holy orders to project force upwards instead of down, cancelling out a chunk of Algol's Holy Orders. It would not nullify all of it, but the crew would now find it much easier to move around and attack than before.

Kokujo's good eye glanced towards Kold for a moment as he opened a mental communication. "Hmf, I figured as much. Temporal manipulation.....how annoying, but it seems he can't use it without limit" he thought back to Kold, standing up on his hovering platform and glaring up at Algol critically, trying to analyse him for some form of weakness. "Though, to wield powers of both Heaven and Hell..." Kokujo narrowed his eye "What a frightful ability".

Kokujo clapped his hands together, clasping them into a meditative-like position, concentrating, reaching out to the abundant darkness around him. He listened to Kold's plan. He didn't like being told what to do, reflecting in his reply, but for now he didn't have any better plan of attack "Hmf, very well, just don't mess up....".

Kokujo's full attention was turned back towards Algol, as darkness started to seep into existence around the area, crawled in from the darkened mists around them, darkening and growing stronger "If your powers are reliant on your sight, then I shall simply make you unable to see your target... Blackout!" Kokujo called. From Algol's point of view the surrounding shadows suddenly expanded, merging together around him, covering the entire area in an unnatural inky blackness. As well as stealing his sight, the technique also dulled the other physical senses. To Kokujo's allies though, it would just appear that the light of the area had been dulled, but not to an inhibitive point.

Kokujo wasted no time. He swung his hand round, the outline of a summoning circle flashing on the palm of his hand from under his hand wraps, closing around the handle of his Oblivion bow as it emerged from the aether. He spun it round in a fluid motion until it was aimed squarely up at Algol, an arrow of black energy already notched and ready "Chaos Energy: Chain Warp!" He called, creating a small portal in front of his bow, which he proceeded to launch arrows into in quick succession. Each one would appear out of a different, randomly placed exit portal around Algol, effectively assaulting him from all sides.

* Algol knows better than to underestimate them. He won't risk letting his guard down in the darkness Kokujo controls. However....



"Chaos Energy: Parallax." *There's a flash, and Algol seems to teleport backwards extremely quickly, instantly even. What's strange is that the darkness enveloping him teleported with him.

What actually happened was Chaos Energy moved everyone backwards 10 feet in an instant, creating the illusion of the object (Algol) moving. This is not enough to create much of an advantage, but a moment's disorientation may be just enough to create an opening.*

*Algol's Nethershots are blocked by Kyla's Golden Energy blasts just in time, and Reishi is safe for now. Algol's red eyes flash and the projectiles lose energy. With the amount of projectiles surrounding Algol, it can now be clearly seen...like raindrops outlining a glass.....Every time Algol's red eyes flash...there's a pulse that emits from him. It's normally invisible, but the Chain Warp arrows and the Golden Energy clearly show a wave sweeping through them. again and stops many of the incoming projectiles. With Holy Orders still in effect, Algol's Crimson Eye ability is clear: it ages whatever is within its range. The pulse is much more intense in Algol's line of sight, but it also emanates 360 degrees around him, the weakest point being in his blind spot behind his neck. Most of the projectiles are nullified completely, but a few from his blind spot hit him and cause him to stagger. Even if it was minimal damage, each attack took their toll.*

*Kold wonders how Algol could have moved so quickly, but Twin Warp won't be affected. He regains his focus. During the distraction Kyla and Kokujo made, Kold makes his move*

"Chaos Energy: Twin Warp!"

*Kold enters a portal and instantly appears behind Algol and slashes*

*Algol reaches out and grabs Kold, creating a Death Sentence counter above him as well...but then proceeds to freeze Algol in place. It was an Ice Clone. The real Kold appears from the same portal, somehow hiding in the pocket between dimensions.*

*Kold stabs to gouge out Algol's left eye.*




*Algol smirk under his armor, not expecting a .* "Interesting..." *His red eye flashes, and a time pulse is sent out.

*Just as that happens, Reishi goes through the portal and pushes Kold aside.*

*Reishi's arm begins to disintegrate, aging rapidly until there is only bone left. His the aging begins to spread from his fingertips, his bones turning to dust. Soon it will spread to the rest of his body.*

*Kold's shocked at this sudden turn of events, but quickly reacts by cutting off Reishi's arm at the shoulder to prevent it from spreading. The bone on the floor completely turns to dust, and is no more. This is no cause for concern for Reishi though, since it just regenerates.*



*But this speeds up the stomach wound. Oversoul Mode can't last much longer....but the Central Tower, the hub of the Twilight Temple is starting to come into view. They're almost there....!*

*Algol's eyes begin to dim, he can't use them to age anything or steal time from anything at the moment, and he's caught off guard when Algol's own sword of all things flies through the portal, and impact's Algol right in the forehead. It knocks Algol to the ground, with a loud THUD! The sword ricochets off of Algol's helmet, but leaves a large crack in it. A peek to the man behind the armor, though it's still difficult to see.*


*The group is now close enough to the castle to see it for what it is. It's larger than all four of the towers combined, though it doesn't look like a temple at all. It resembles an eye-shaped sun, if that makes any sense. From the ground, it was the purple eye gazing down. Who would have guessed that was actually a temple? From the side it seems to be made of a mirror-like substance, so you wouldn't know it was there until you were right next to it. Reishi's Spectral Corridor forces open the gate, and the platform proceeds to dock into the Central Tower as intended. The Spectral Corridor fades away at that point. Though Reishi struggles to maintain Oversoul Mode just in case Algol tries anything*

The Lunar Hope Crew has finally made it.*


*Algol staggers to his feet as he grabs his sword. He looks at the temple and sheathes his blade, then addresses the group.*



"I'm actually impressed. You've gotten much stronger and more skilled in such a short amount of time.. In 7 short years, you've surpassed my expectations. To think your teamwork would catch me off guard and damage my armor...and knock me down...truly impressive."

*This could be interpreted as patronizing or mocking, but the tone of his voice suggests sincerity. Very few mortals probably put up as much of a fight against him.*

"You may not realize it now, but you are a prime example as to why Heaven fears you. Mortals are weaker than Demons, Angels, and Primordials, but you have more potential because of your ability to evolve. The 'human spirit'., or the 'mortal spirit' I should say...it's enough to conquer any challenge. Heaven grants power to humans and remakes them as deities to control them. Hell oppresses humans for their sins, to stunt their growth. Given the proper environment and enough time, mortals can overcome anything. Steel yourselves. Do not doubt. That shall be your strength, especially in this place. With that, you can defeat Yokoshima. Now that he's been trapped in that mask, he can't posses anyone this time. You've become the paragon of teamwork in 7 short years, though it's not going to be easy.

"As you are right now, you cannot defeat me...though I don't think I'd be able to win unscathed. But given enough time, you eventually will be capable. I'd prefer for you to live long enough for that to happen, but that depends on you. Became as strong as you can. Trust each other. Believe in your own potential. *he sheathes his sword* "It would be a shame to kill you now. I'd like to see how far you can go. All Yokoshima ordered me to do was 'to take care of you', so I'll just tell him that his orders were unclear. Perhaps he should have been more specific.

*Algol seems pleased, if anything, with the current state of events. He doesn't seem over eager to obey Yokoshima either, it seems.*



"Kold, you faced your past and still have the drive to continue. Kyla, you lived well for such a tragic start. Raiden, you've shown tremendous personal growth and have found an identity. I doubt Yokoshima will truly take you again. Kokujo, I'm impressed with your willingness to trust others at this point. And Brimmstone...to think he could awaken Clear Haki...I'll be curious to see what fate has in store for him."

*Algol walks over to Reishi*

"Reishi, this is what you lacked. Despite unfortunate circumstances, despite all of the time you had...you were unable to truly understand what you needed to complete your trials: the determination to overcome anything, despite how impossible it seems...and to protect your comrades. You've finally completed your last task. I can now officially finally deem you the fifth and final Heavenly King. You earned the right to be called Ouryu the Golden Dragon: High King of the Center. It took you 92,000 years to make it this far, but I knew this was a journey you could complete. The temple cannot hold you now, nor ever again. Go forth and become like the change in seasons, and fulfill your destiny."

*Reishi reverts to his previous form. He's still immortal and undead, but it seems like he no longer will be controlled by the Twilight Temple's will. Now a sigil of a golden dragon posing in the shape of a crown appears on the back of his left hand, proving as his proof of his title.*







"My duty is, and always has been, to test those who border life and death. This battle was no different to me. You are the most interesting group of people Yokshima's been in contact with, in my eyes.

*He turns and prepares to leave*

"For the moment, I am bound to Yokoshima's service. He is much more than he has appeared to you so far, so once again I shall warn you: do not allow yourselves to fall prey to his 'identity'. He's playing the villain to get a response from you. While you may not have much of a choice at this point, do not underestimate him. He's counting on that very growth that makes you a threat."

*he turns to face the group one last time*

"One last word of caution: this isn't over. I may be ordered to fight you again. In addition, Faust still remains. Do not take him lightly. Yokoshima only chooses those he can fully control or fully depend on. Faust is a lich, and has vast knowledge that makes him dangerous to you. His mind, in my eyes, is more dangerous than any physical weapon of his."

*Algol enters through a tear in space, then is gone. The gates are open to the final dungeon. Zehuti Faust and his minions are the only thing standing in the Lunar Hope Crew's way now.

Raiden dispels Veeb, and floats lightly to the ground. He staggers a bit. His muscles are screaming from the strain of throwing the sword. He flops to the floor and lies on his back for a bit. He's clearly in no mortal danger...just really tired.

"Oh you know...I'm just dandy...I don't suppose Yokoshima installed a hot tub anywhere in this insane place? My arms feel like they're gonna fall off."

Slowly he stands and wanders over to his sister. He can tell she's feeling lonely so he gives her a hug.

"C'mon. Let's go finish this thing so we can go home, braid each others' hair, and talk about boys."

*Kyla shakes her head*

Kold, my feelings for you haven't changed, because the past that we've shared hasn't changed. My memories, my past, they're all still what they were when we arrived at this castle. There's no reason for me to feel differently about you just because something happened in your past that you can't even remember.

What I'm worried about is...you. After all this, have your feelings changed? After everything you've learned, is there still room for me in your heart?

*There are tears in the corners of her eyes*

You say if I didn't forgive you, you'd understand. If I didn't want to be with you, you'd support me...but...one of the biggest reasons I'm here now is because I'm fighting for a life where I can be free and happy. But that life wouldn't be worth fighting for without you in it. So...I want you to make me a promise...

*She pulls off her wedding ring and presses it into Kold's hand*

When we go home, after we beat Yokoshima, I want you to think about everything. Think about yourself, and us, and the future that you want. And then I want you to give this ring back to me. And now that you better know yourself and your past, I want you to ask me one more time to stand by your side as your wife. And I will renew the vow that I made to you all those years ago, because I love and accept who you were, who you are, and who you will be.

Kokujo dropped back down to the platform as it docked with the huge temple now before them. He listened to Algol's little speech, though remained on guard until the grim figure had made his exit.

Kokujo relaxed his stance, his Oblivion Bow phasing itself back into the aether as Kokujo dispelled it's summoning. He gazed up at where Algol had left, seeming to be in deep thought about what had transpired, and the words Algol had left them with. So deep was he in thought that he didn't notice Corbenik padding up beside him and promptly producing a small notebook from somewhere in his fur, which he quickly leafed through until he seemed to find what he wanted.

Kokujo folded his arms and frowned. An action Corbenik quickly mimicked beside him.

"Hmf, Algol... What is it you're really after?"
"Hmf, Algol... What is it you're really after?"

Both Kokujo and Corbenik said in unison.

"Oh yeah! Called it, called it like yo mama's bawce!" Corbenik shouted triumphantly, quickly holding aloft a furry paw expectantly. His high five attempt was quickly derailed however, as Kokujo simply gave him a withering glare and turned to walk away. "Well..." Corbenik spoke to himself as he was left standing there with his arm still outstretched "I sure didn't call that one".

Kokujo walked over to where the rest of the gang was, half turning to address Kold. "Even though the past may shape us, it is our actions in the present that truly define us" He said, a rare moment of encouragement "Make of that what you will, though I am in no place to make judgment of you". Kokujo turned away after this, wandering off towards the temple gates, shortly followed by Corbenik "Haha, That's true, it doesn't seem so long ago that you were trying to murder him" Corbenik seemed to be about to launch into another offhand remark when he was cut off by being hit square in the back by Kokujo's shuriken as it returned. "Ow ow ow!...." He paused, still face down on the floor "Hey, does this shuriken make my spine look fat?".

Kokujo simply sighed and took his weapon back, replacing it in it's usual spot.

Kokujo took a glance back at Kold, he seemed to have finally regained his drive "Heh..." Kokujo turned back round, perhaps to conceal the slightest hint of a smile that tugged at his face.

The door slammed shut behind them in a shower of dust, momentarily plunging them into darkness. There was a spark of magical energy and as quickly as the darkness had descended, the tower was suddenly bathed in illumination as various torches and candlesticks bolted into the walls burst to life with eerie blue flames.

Kokujo looked up through the interior of the tower. He could see a ceiling, but only barely among the shadows cast by the flickering arcane flames, hidden among various gantries, scaffolds and makeshift cranes holding massive stone slabs that seemed to almost emanate their own magical energies. From what Kokujo could see, it was clear at points, that there used to be other floors amid this giant space. Likely they had been taken out by Faust, for what purpose Kokujo could not say, but as he started ascending the steps that spiraled round the edges of the tower, his eye was caught by various ancient books and notes scrawled upon the various stone surfaces, in an arcane language even Kokujo could only guess at. To a necromancer like Faust, this place must have been a treasure trove, an opus of the secrets of life and death.

Corbenik padded up the steps beside him, looking around curiously, like a tourist at a museum. Not looking where he was going, he just managed to avoid bumping into a large skull with a candle atop it's head at the side of the huge stairwell. He gazed suspiciously at it, getting the distinct feeling that somehow the skull was looking back at him... "Well, you'd never ever guess a necromancer lived here" he commented sarcastically before bounding back over to join Kokujo on his shoulder.

Almost on cue, a spine chilling gust of air blew down from whatever was above, carrying with it what sounded like faint ghostly cries of souls perhaps long lost in the tower. Kokujo frowned, his scarf billowing from the ghostly winds, but continued steadily climbing. Kokujo had a bad feeling about whatever awaited them.

"Hmf, Faust....we'll need to keep our guard up....I know little about him, but I'm certain that unlike Algol, he won't be interested in showing us any mercy..." Kokujo said grimly.